FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago, Illinois— Latinos Progresando (LP) is opening a new resource center to serve the broader South Lawndale community, which has experienced among the highest Covid-19 case and mortality rates in Illinois. Marquette Bank, longtime partner and neighbors of Latinos Progresando, donated the property after the Covid-related branch closure at 3030 W. Cermak Road.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Latinos Progresando has mobilized to provide emergency resources and financial assistance to families, community organizations and small businesses (65,000+ units of PPE and more than $350,000). The immigration legal services agency, Latinos Progresando, also established a hotline that is now receiving an average of 2,000 calls a month to answer urgent immigration questions.
Now at the forefront of vaccination efforts in South Lawndale, Latinos Progresando will utilize the new center to connect residents with neighborhood locations providing the vaccine. The center also provides the space for Latinos Progresando to connect residents to essential resources and assistance through the Marshall Square Resource Network (MSRN), support LP’s programming including immigration legal services and a range of support services for small business owners, while also serving as a public distribution center for PPE and other basic needs.
“Covid-19 hit this community disproportionately hard. Today, we celebrate the chance to deepen our response efforts, and build back in a powerful way. This Resource Center is an opportunity to better support our seniors, our children, and our most vulnerable neighbors.” says Luis Gutierrez, Founder and CEO of Latinos Progresando.
“Marquette Bank is proud to donate the building giving this space a renewed purpose in helping local residents and supporting the mission of Latinos Progresando,” says Manny Jimenez, First Vice President and CRA Officer. “Latinos Progresando has been a valuable partner in our efforts to offer financial education, home buyer grants, lending, inclusive banking and affordable financial services in traditionally underserved communities.”
Due to Covid-19, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held virtually on March 15, 2021. Press contacts are invited to schedule walk-throughs of the space and/or interviews (available in English and Spanish) with Maritza Guzman, (773) 814-2438, m.guzman@latinospro.org.
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